Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
D37793-1
Date(s)
- 1949-01-18 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
In January of 1949, former Commissioner of Public Safety Frank T. Callender and 6-year-old Kenny Fine dramatized the current electricity shortage by erecting a broomstick, lantern and sign asking for public cooperation during the local energy crisis. Miserably cold weather had frozen rivers and streams, lessening the water flow to Tacoma's electric plants, greatly reducing their generating capacity. Generators had trouble meeting peak loads and there were slumps in both frequency and voltage. This power pinch covered not only Tacoma but was throughout the Northwest. Industry and householders rallied to conserve energy and reduced demands for power. Businesses in Tacoma were asked to reduce their light and power loads until 6:30 p.m. daily, a request obeyed by the building housing Callender's Restaurant, shown nearly dark behind Mr. Callender and Kenny Fine. (T.Times 1-18-49, p. 2; Various articles on power shortage - 1-4-49; 1-5-49; 1-10-49; 1-11-49)
Power shortages--Tacoma; Electricity--Tacoma; Scarcity--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Fine, Kenny; Callender's Restaurant (Tacoma); Callender, Frank T.;